Customs Valuation

KARACHI: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has held in abeyance a recent notification that increased the import valuation of used mobile phones. This move comes after strong opposition from the masses, traders and legal intervention from the judiciary. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pakistan-faces-highest-fuel-burden-in-south-asia-despite-similar-fuel-prices/ Legal Intervention and Official Suspension According to an official notification (C. No. Misc/01/V-KHI/2024/VII) issued by the Directorate General of Customs Valuation, Valuation Ruling No. 2070/2026, dated April 21, 2026, has been suspended until further notice. This suspension was mandated to ensure compliance with an interim order passed by the Hon’ble High Court of Sindh in C.P. No. D-2321 of 2026. The original ruling had sought to re-determine the customs value of old and used mobile phones imported in commercial quantities without original packaging or accessories. KEDA Denounces Economic Burden Muhammad Rizwan Irfan, President of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, lauded the suspension but remained critical of the initial decision. He pointed out that the FBR’s attempt to raise import values on April 21 was a direct violation of the High Court’s stay order. Irfan argued that increasing the prices of used mobile phones is equivalent to “snatching the right to a livelihood from the poor.” He emphasized that used handsets are a necessity for low-income segments of society and small-scale entrepreneurs. He has formally appealed to the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Chairman of the FBR to permanently review and withdraw any such price hikes, stating that they are “unacceptable under any circumstances.”